This week on The Circuit of Success, Brett Gilliland welcomes Eric Van Hook former Police Chief and current Mayor of O’Fallon, Illinois for a conversation about leadership, public service, and navigating high-pressure situations with clarity and confidence. Eric shares the early influences that drew him to a life of service, the evolution of his leadership philosophy, and how crisis management has shaped his approach to decision-making.

From working in corrections to becoming Police Chief and now mayor, Eric emphasizes the importance of preparation, communication, and surrounding yourself with a capable team. He discusses how critical moments like responding to school safety threats or managing public emergencies have taught him the value of systems thinking, adaptability, and leading with calm and compassion.

Eric Van Hook is the newly elected Mayor of O’Fallon, Illinois. With over 30 years of public service experience, he served in the city’s law enforcement from 1990 to 2021, ultimately as Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police. His leadership earned him numerous accolades, including the 2019 Illinois “Police Chief of the Year” and the 2022 “Olympian Award.” He’s a graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command and holds degrees in Human Resource Management and Criminal Justice. Eric continues to serve his community as a real estate broker, City Council Member, and through his involvement in Rotary, youth sports, and the Chamber of Commerce. He and his wife, Laura, are longtime O’Fallon residents, proud parents of four, and grandparents of three. His mayoral vision is focused on strategic, people-first leadership.

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Andy Brown is joined by Brett Gilliland, CEO of Visionary Wealth Advisors and host of the Circuit of Success podcast, for an honest and energizing conversation on success, mindset, leadership, journaling and how to avoid emotional burnout.

Brett shares the simple, powerful daily habits that have helped him lead a fulfilling life – both in business and at home. From building a business with purpose to raising four kids and giving back through charity work, Brett shows how you can achieve big goals without sacrificing your well being along the way.

Whether you’re a founder, leader, business owner, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the pace of life, this conversation will give you practical ways to reset, refocus and recharge. This episode will help you rethink what productivity really means, prioritize what matters most, create healthy habits that last, and avoid (or recover from) emotional overdraft.

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In this episode of The Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland sits down with Brendan Keegan—serial CEO, award-winning author, and visionary behind bFEARLESS Ventures. Brendan shares the driving forces behind his remarkable career, from leading global teams and scaling companies to securing over $10 billion in capital. The conversation kicks off with some light sports banter and quickly dives into the key ingredients of lasting success: relentless work ethic, clear vision, and the courage to lead boldly.

Brendan reflects on the mentors who shaped his path and offers actionable insights for those looking to discover their purpose and grow their leadership. He shares how mentorship often happens organically, and how being intentional about your goals can open the door to powerful guidance and lasting impact.

Brendan P. Keegan is a 6-time president & chief executive officer, 21-time board director, 2-time best-selling author, World’s Most Innovative CEO award winner, and the visionary leader behind bFEARLESS Ventures, an investment & advisory firm. He has successfully led six companies through liquidity events, averaging a 750% increase in enterprise value. Brendan currently serves as co-owner and board member of Andretti Racing, United Autosports, Merchants Fleet, PURE Electric, Crane Paper, and Sky Meadow Country Club. He also holds board positions with McLaren Racing Indy Team, ExpressIT Delivery, RPI Athletics Council, RPI Lally Leadership Council, and the Keegan Family Courage & Faith Foundation.

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On this episode of the Circuit of Success, Brett Gilliland sits down with Tony Martignetti, a leadership advisor, bestselling author, and host of The Virtual Campfire podcast. With more than 30 years of experience in business and biotech finance, Tony has worked with leaders across industries to help them uncover what truly drives their success. He is the author of Climbing the Right Mountain and Campfire Lessons for Leaders, and his message is simple but powerful: real leadership starts with self-awareness and meaningful connection.

Tony shares how his career path evolved through a relentless curiosity and a willingness to ask deeper questions. From corporate boardrooms to an unexpected opportunity in China, his journey proves that being open to learning can change your life. He and Brett also reflect on an unforgettable 2004 World Series moment involving Jimmy Fallon, Drew Barrymore, and a surprise movie shoot in the heart of Boston.

As the conversation unfolds, Tony offers his framework for finding calm in the chaos of leadership. He introduces the three Cs—curiosity, connection, and compassion—as tools for navigating high-pressure moments and becoming a more grounded, impactful leader. Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder or redefining your path, this episode will inspire you to lead with intention and heart.

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On this special Beyond Podcast episode, recorded live at the Cardinal Event, Brett Gilliland brings together two iconic voices of St. Louis Cardinals baseball: Brad Thompson and Chip Caray. Lifelong Cardinals fans and newcomers alike will appreciate the rare stories they share from early inspirations to the unexpected moments that shaped their careers behind the microphone. With a mix of humor, gratitude, and deep reflection, Brad and Chip pull back the curtain on life in broadcasting and the powerful lessons learned through baseball.

Listeners will hear Chip recount how a pinch-hit grand slam and a moment of pure stadium chaos in Atlanta inspired his career, while Brad opens up about his unexpected shift from Major League pitcher to radio broadcaster, thanks in part to a life-changing recommendation from a dear friend. They discuss how passion, preparation, and mentorship helped them navigate the unpredictable world of sports media, highlighting the people and moments that had the greatest impact along the way.

More than a conversation about baseball, this episode is about perspective, perseverance, and staying connected to what matters most. Brad and Chip reflect on the importance of learning from every experience, surrounding yourself with great people, and never losing sight of how lucky they are to do what they love. Their stories will leave you inspired to chase your own version of success with passion, gratitude, and a little bit of humor along the way.

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On this episode of the Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland sits down with Jennifer Williams, founder and president of Saint Louis Closet Co. Jennifer shares the inspiring journey of how she went from a 20-something with a vision and a stack of credit cards to the owner of a thriving 30,000-square-foot operation employing 40 people. Her story is packed with lessons on risk-taking, resilience, and long-term business growth.

Jennifer opens up about her leap from graduate school to entrepreneurship, how she landed her first business loan through pure determination, and the mindset that fueled her early and ongoing success. She emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with smart people, staying curious, and never having a plan B.

Jennifer Q. Williams has been a leader in the custom closet industry for over 34 years. In her early twenties, she founded Saint Louis Closet Co., the first locally owned custom closet company in St. Louis. What started as a simple idea helping people get organized has grown into a successful business. Today, Jennifer and her team help homeowners throughout St. Louis with high-quality custom closets, mudrooms, pantries, laundry rooms, Murphy beds, and more.

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Success isn’t just about talent or opportunity. It’s about resilience. In this episode of The Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland sits down with Tino Dietrich, a visionary entrepreneur, Inc. 500 honoree, and certified Mindvalley coach, to uncover the mindset and strategies behind his journey of reinvention. After battling a life-threatening case of COVID-19 that left him in the ICU and forced him to lose 90 pounds, Tino emerged with a renewed sense of purpose. He turned his passion for golf into SNYDER Americas, bringing premium German-engineered golf balls to the U.S. and disrupting the industry with innovation and precision.

As the founder of The Dietrich Institute, Tino is dedicated to coaching high achievers, helping them master personal growth, build powerful relationships, and leave lasting legacies. A former collegiate golfer at Syracuse University, he blends strategic thinking with real-life experience to inspire others to overcome challenges and create meaningful success. His upcoming book, a tribute to his late mother, explores themes of resilience, legacy, and intentional living.

In this conversation, Tino explains why the idea of work-life balance is misleading and how true fulfillment comes from integration, not separation. He shares insights on visualization, self-management, and staying aligned with your goals. This episode is filled with wisdom for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone looking to level up in business and life.

Show Notes & More: DietrichInstitute.com/CircuitofSuccess (Coming Soon!)

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In this compelling episode of The Circuit of Success, Brett Gilliland sits down with Eli Drinkwitz, Head Coach of the University of Missouri Football team. Known for his energy, focus, and commitment to building a winning culture, Coach Drinkwitz shares what it takes to lead a major college program in today’s rapidly changing sports landscape. From navigating the challenges of NIL and the transfer portal to staying grounded in faith and family, he offers a powerful look behind the scenes of Mizzou football.

Coach Drinkwitz talks about the defining moments and mentors that shaped him, including the impact of his parents and the belief former coach Gus Malzahn had in his ability to get the job done no matter the task. That “get it done” mindset has become a foundation for his success, helping him lead with consistency through adversity and change. He also shares the personal values that keep him steady in a high-pressure environment.

A key focus of the conversation is the culture he’s building at Mizzou. With the motto “Chase Two Dreams,” Coach Drinkwitz is developing athletes who aim for excellence on the field and find purpose beyond the game. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, leader, or someone chasing your own dream, this episode delivers meaningful insight on what it takes to succeed with integrity and grit.

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In this inspiring episode of The Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland welcomes back Dr. Timothy Eberlein, a trailblazing leader in the world of cancer care and the founding Director of the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center. With over 25 years of vision and leadership, Dr. Eberlein shares the incredible story of how Siteman grew into one of the nation’s most respected cancer centers anchored in world-class expertise, compassionate care, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His journey from humble beginnings in Western Pennsylvania to national prominence in academic medicine is nothing short of extraordinary.

Dr. Eberlein walks us through the formative experiences that shaped his career starting with a chance summer job that ignited his passion for surgery, and the influential mentors who helped guide him along the way. His story is a testament to perseverance, preparation, and the power of embracing unexpected opportunities. For students, young professionals, and anyone chasing purpose, this episode is filled with wisdom on how pivotal moments can set a lifelong mission in motion.

Dr. Timothy Eberlein is the Director of the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center and serves as the Olin Distinguished Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Cancer Programs at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University Medical Center. He recently concluded over two decades as the Bixby Professor and Chair of the Department of Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine. A summa cum laude graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and former Chief Resident at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dr. Eberlein has held numerous national leadership roles, including Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, past President of the American Surgical Association, and member of the National Academy of Medicine. His groundbreaking work has earned him national and international recognition, including numerous honorary fellowships and awards for clinical excellence, academic leadership, and community service.

Support the life-saving work of the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center and be a part of the mission to change the future of cancer care. Donate today!

For more information or to explore other ways to get involved, reach out to: Friends of Siteman

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On this episode of The Circuit of Success, Brett Gilliland welcomes back entrepreneur and author Katie Lee. Since her last appearance, Katie has written a memoir, expanded her restaurant ventures, and earned Walmart’s prestigious Golden Ticket for her frozen pizza line. She shares the behind-the-scenes story of her high-stakes pitch, the unexpected challenges she faced, and what this milestone means for her growing brand.

Beyond business, Katie gets personal about her journey through addiction and the moment that changed everything. She opens up about the struggles of hitting rock bottom, the difficult path to sobriety, and the resilience that led her to success. Her story is one of perseverance, self-discovery, and the power of embracing life’s toughest lessons.

Join us for an inspiring conversation filled with hard-won wisdom, business insights, and the mindset it takes to turn adversity into opportunity.

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